PSB Nepal should contribute to strengthening democracy: Political party leaders

Kathmandu: Leaders of various political parties have emphasized that Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) should play a key role in building a prosperous nation and strengthening democracy through its programs and news.

During a thematic discussion organized as part of the pre-launch of PSB Nepal, political leaders stressed that PSB should be instrumental in bringing all sections of society into the mainstream of nation-building.

CPN (UML) Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula highlighted that PSB should focus on representing the voices of citizens from across the country. He also underscored that PSB should help protect society from the negative effects of misinformation by ensuring the delivery of truthful, unbiased information.

Bartaula expressed his hope that PSB would act as a bridge between the people and the government, holding both accountable and focusing on pro-people issues.

Nepali Congress leader Kamala Devi Panta suggested that Radio Nepal and Nepal Television when transformed into PSB, should ensure citizens’ right to information and contribute to prosperity and good governance.

Pant, who chairs the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee in the National Assembly, emphasized that PSB should prioritize the implementation of fundamental rights, including federalism, gender equality, social justice, and other results-oriented goals.

She expressed confidence that the merger of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television into PSB would successfully address the concerns of a larger population.

Likewise, CPN (Maoist Center) leader and former minister Devendra Poudel stressed that PSB must adapt its role to meet the evolving needs of the people.

He noted that after more than seven decades of political change, there is now a need to focus on improving the living standards of the people, with PSB playing a vital role in providing information and highlighting issues that require attention.

Santosh Pariyar, Chief Whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, suggested that political parties and public broadcasting organizations should work together to strengthen democracy. He emphasized that PSB should contribute as a pillar of societal transformation, ensuring the economic and social rights of citizens and bringing marginalized communities into the mainstream.

Janata Samajwadi Party MP Ranju Kumari Jha highlighted the importance of PSB prioritizing the voices of the people and raising issues in a balanced, impartial manner.

Jha also suggested that PSB should exert pressure on political parties to address the concerns expressed by the public.